Spaying or Neutering Your Dog at Bay City Veterinary Clinic & Equine Hospital
Dr. Volkmer, what is the difference between spaying and neutering?
Spaying and neutering are terms we use to describe procedures for female and male animals, respectively. Spaying involves an ovariohysterectomy, which is performed on female dogs. Neutering is an orchiectomy, performed on male dogs.
What are the health benefits of spaying or neutering my dog?
There are several reasons to spay your pets. One of the most important is to prevent unwanted pets. Additionally, as pets get older, if they have not been spayed or neutered, they may develop health problems. For example, older female dogs often develop mammary tumors, which can become aggressive and lead to serious health complications. Additionally, older female dogs can also develop pyometras, which are life-threatening infections inside the uterus.
For males, neutering reduces the likelihood of fights, roaming, and digging outside the fence. Neutered males also experience fewer prostate issues and testicular problems as they age.
What should I expect on the day of a spay surgery?
On spaying and neutering days, pets are typically brought in first thing in the morning, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. These pets have been fasted overnight for about 10 to 12 hours. Upon arrival, we perform an exam to ensure they are healthy and ready for surgery. We recommend blood work, IV fluids, and then proceed to anesthetize the pets for spaying or neutering, based on the owners' requests.
What is the recovery process like for my dog?
The spaying or neutering procedure itself usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. After surgery, the pets are woken up, and once they are fully awake and ready, the owners can pick them up to take them home. Generally, we send home an e-collar, or cone, to prevent them from interfering with their incisions. The cone is typically left on for about 7 to 10 days until the incisions have healed. On the day of the surgery, we recommend giving them small amounts of food and water and ensuring they rest in a clean environment while the incision heals.
Can my dog still go into heat after being spayed?
No. Once the ovaries have been removed, heat cycles cease completely.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (979) 245-6364, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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